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Ricoh Announces GR II Compact With WiF, NFC

17 June 2015

Ricoh introduced the Ricoh GR II premium compact with built-in WiFi and NFC capability. The company also announced GR Remote, a Web-based application to control the camera through any browser and share images wirelessly.

The GR II features an 28mm (35mm equivalent) f2.8 lens matched to a 16.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor in a compact package framed in magnesium alloy. It can focus in 0.2 seconds and has a one-second start up/shut down time.

The GR II provides 17 effect modes with six new modes added including: Clarity, Brilliance, Bright, Portrait, Vibrant and HDR Tone. It also includes an in-camera Raw data development function, full HD movie recording and wireless control of Pentax AF360FGZII & AF540FGZII external flashes.

Popular for combining exceptional image quality with outstanding portability, new functions now enable easy image sharing and expanded effects options

DENVER, Colo. -- Ricoh Imaging Americas Corp. has announced the newest camera in its GR series, the Ricoh GR II, a premium compact camera with WiFi and Near Field Communication functionality. The GR II is the smallest premium compact with dSLR image quality, making it ideal for advanced photographers who want the quality of an SLR camera but the portability of a smart phone.

To manage the new built-in WiFi and NFC functions, Ricoh Imaging also announced GR Remote, a Web-based application which allows users to control camera settings virtually via any browser, as well as view and share images wirelessly. Image Sync, available on Pentax dSLR models, is also supported on the new GR II. It enables GR users to easily browse and transfer images to accompanying mobile devices.

"With the introduction of the GR II, we are taking the premium compact camera to a new level, offering the key features desired by photo enthusiasts: high resolution, a wide-angle lens, quick shoot time and portability," said Jim Malcolm, President of Ricoh Imaging Americas Corp. "With its new WiFi and NFC capabilities, photographers can now easily share their exceptional street and travel shots more easily, benefiting from the best of both worlds."

Features of the new GR II camera include:

High-quality, high-resolution: The GR 18.3mm f2.8 lens is a compact, high-performance GR lens with a focal length of 28mm (in the 35mm format). The GR II also boasts a large, APS-C-size CMOS image sensor with approximately 16.2 effective megapixels. Equal in imaging area to the type used for most Pentax dSLR models, the sensor combined with the GR lens assures exceptional image quality.

High-speed: The GR II's high-speed AF system can focus in a mere 0.2 seconds, thanks to the optimization of its lens drive mechanism and AF algorithm and it also has a one second start up and shut down time. Further, with the GR II users can go instantly from the play back mode to shooting by half pressing on the shutter release button.

Pocket-sized: Even though it incorporates a host of WiFi functions, the GR II comes in the same size as the previous GR model. Its exterior housing is made of lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy, while its grip is shaped for easy, comfortable hold and features a control button layout that enables simple one-hand operation.

Expanded creative functionality: The GR II provides a total of 17 effect modes with six new modes added including: Clarity, Brilliance, Bright, Portrait, Vibrant and HDR Tone. The new GR II also includes a full range of shooting functions including an in-camera Raw data development function, full HD movie recording for high-quality, extended videos; and, wireless control of Pentax AF360FGZII & AF540FGZII external flashes.

Pricing and Availability

The Ricoh GR II will be available for purchase July in stores nationwide and at http://www.ricohimaging.com for a retail price of $799.95.